Railroad Days marking 40th anniversary this year

GALESBURG — It’s been a long and winding road for Galesburg’s annual Railroad Days, one that has passed on roads both high and low. This year’s event will be the 40th held.

In March 1978, it was announced that Railroad Days would be a joint project of the Galesburg Chamber of Commerce and the Burlington Northern Railroad. A version of Railroad Days had been held by BN in 1974 and 1976, with each drawing between 12,000 and 14,000 visitors, but now it would become a community-wide event.

The hope was to draw 15,000 visitors that first year, with the focus being on the railroad yards and depot. The Galesburg Historical Society would hold tours, and there would be a block party on North Kellogg Street, as well as a flea market. There also would be an art fair in Standish Park and a model railroad show in Sandburg Mall.

The logo, depicting steam engine No. 3006, located at Colton Park, was created by Robert Reed, a Dick Blick employee.

That first edition was called a “tremendous success,” attracting 25,000 people from 28 states.

Railroad Days in 1979 saw the addition of the Railroad Days Queen. Julie Finley of Galesburg was chosen from eight contestants. Now retired and living in Virginia, she shared her memories of the early Railroad Days.

“I remember the parade, family and friends spending hours on the rides. Walking through the old train station always amazed me,” she said.

She entered the contest upon the encouragement of her cheerleading coach, who felt it would help bring her out of her shell.

“The experience did enable me to broaden my horizons. Railroad Days was the event of the year,” Finley said.

The year 1980 brought “gandy dancing,” or the skill of quick track laying, most famously used in the building of the transcontinental railroad. The “Gandy Olympics” would quickly become a popular part of Railroad Days.

Norma Cunningham of The Register-Mail wrote of the rising success of the event in 1980.

“Special events come and go, but this is one that seems to be getting better every year. The reason for that is simple. Railroad Days has struck a responsive chord because it is right for Galesburg,” she wrote.

The carnival soon joined Railroad Days at the corner of Ferris and Kellogg streets. Ten different rides were available, including a Ferris wheel and the Paratrooper.

Beds raced down Main Street for the first time in 1980. The 24 entries helped raise money for Muscular Dystrophy.

Attendance was at 20,000 that year, and the carnival sold more than 2,000 tickets in a two-hour period.

Much of the credit was given to Tom Wilson, director of the Galesburg Downtown Council.

“It was one of Galesburg’s best efforts,” Wilson said. “The whole town should be proud.”

In 1981, Sandburg Mall stayed busy with the Railroad Days Queen contest, hot air balloons, a classic car show and model railroad displays.

Robert H. Michel, House minority leader, and Andrew Lewis, secretary of transportation, both came to the opening ceremonies that year, helping to give it a “big event” feel.

The entire town was busy flaunting its history. Old Main, Carl Sandburg’s birthplace and the Central Congregational Church all offered tours.

History came alive at Lake Storey, as the Battle of Thompson’s Station, a Civil War battle, was re-enacted.

Nearly 400 runners took part in a 10,000-meter run, won by Phil Coppess of Clinton, Iowa. Coppess would have a long career in marathon running.

The year 1982 marked the opening of the new Galesburg Railroad Museum, housed in a Pullman car on the corner of Seminary and Mulberry streets. Longtime Illinois Gov. Jim Thompson came to dedicate the museum.

The year also marked the first annual bicycle race, with thousands of dollars in prize money available for more than 200 cyclists from around the country.

Attendance was up to 57,000 people that year, and former Register-Mail reporter and editor Norma Cunningham reflected on the five years of growth.

“Railroad Days and Galesburg belong together,” she wrote. “There can be little doubt that the event has become a part of the city, and that will prove to be a benefit. There is nothing better than an event which gets people into town to enjoy and learn about the good things here.”

Events came and went. There were outhouse races. Hot air balloon races. The old C.B. & Q Depot was torn down in 1983 and replaced with the much smaller Amtrak station. The 3-on-3 basketball tournament was incredibly popular for years. Attendance peaked at 70,000 some years.

Now the battle re-enactment takes place during Heritage Days, and the Great Balloon Race is its own event. Runners now hit the pavement during Run Galesburg Run.

But Railroad Days steams on. Folks who attended the carnival now bring their children and grandchildren. Railroad Days still holds a spell.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.